How to Say "Heartbreak" in Japanese

失恋

shitsuren[ɕit͡sɨɾẽ̞ɴ]

In Japanese, the English phrase "heartbreak" is translated as 失恋 (shitsuren).

失恋 refers specifically to the heartbreak caused by a romantic rejection or the end of a romantic relationship, rather than general emotional anguish.

Meaning: anguish (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is composed of the kanji 失 (lose) and 恋 (love), literally meaning "lost love".

shitsuren

The word 'koi' (恋) inside 失恋 is a specific type of love that is often described as more longing and unrequited than the more general term 'ai' (愛).
In Japanese social contexts, discussing one's 失恋 is often seen as a way to build intimacy and trust with friends through shared vulnerability.
While English uses 'heart' as the center of emotion, the Japanese term 失恋 focuses entirely on the 'love' (恋) that was lost.

別に失恋が好きなわけじゃないけど、失恋ソングはすごく好きなんだよね。
It's not that I particularly love heartbreak, but I really like songs about heartbreak.
This sentence is useful for seeing how 失恋 is used in the context of music, specifically heartbreak songs.
Tatoeba #3263813 by tommy_san, translation #3335430 by Jonet
ズタボロになったような失恋をしたんだ。
I experienced a heartbreak that left me completely shattered.
失恋の痛みはなかなか癒えない。
shitsuren no itami wa nakanaka ienai.
The pain of heartbreak does not easily heal.
彼女は失恋のショックを隠している。
kanojo wa shitsuren no shokku o kakushite iru.
She is hiding the shock of her heartbreak.

Kenta is consoling Himari at a cafe.

陽葵 Himari

失恋して、すごく落ち込んでいるの。
shitsuren shite, sugoku ochikonde iru no.
I had a heartbreak and I am feeling very down.
健太 Kenta

大丈夫、陽葵ならすぐに立ち直れるよ。
daijoubu, himari nara sugu ni tachinaoreru yo.
It's okay, Himari, you will recover quickly.
陽葵 Himari

ありがとう、健太くん。
arigatou, kenta-kun.
Thank you, Kenta.
健太 Kenta

今はゆっくり休むといいよ。
ima wa yukkuri yasumu to ii yo.
You should just rest for a while now.

Sources

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